StellarNet BLACK-Comet Fiber Optic Spectrometer
| Brand | StellarNet |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | BLACK-Comet |
| Spectral Range | 280–900 nm |
| Detector Type | CCD |
| Optical Resolution (FWHM) | 0.75–6 nm |
| Sensitivity | 100 photons/count at 400 nm |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 1000:1 (CCD) |
| Dynamic Range | 2000:1 (6 decades) |
| Stray Light | 0.02% at 435 nm |
Overview
The StellarNet BLACK-Comet Fiber Optic Spectrometer is a high-performance, compact dispersive spectrometer engineered for precision UV-Vis spectral acquisition in laboratory, industrial, and field-deployable applications. Based on aberration-corrected concave holographic grating optics, the BLACK-Comet eliminates the need for auxiliary mirrors and significantly reduces stray light—achieving <0.02% at 435 nm—while maintaining a flat-field focal plane across its full 280–900 nm range. This optical architecture delivers uniform spectral resolution (<1 nm FWHM across the band), enhanced UV sensitivity (up to 50% higher than planar-grating systems below 400 nm), and intrinsic mechanical stability due to its monolithic optical path. Housed in a rugged, vibration-resistant aluminum enclosure measuring only 2.7 × 4.3 × 6 inches (69 × 109 × 152 mm), the instrument is optimized for integration into OEM platforms, portable analytical systems, and harsh-environment deployments including LIBS, radiometry, and thin-film metrology.
Key Features
- Aberration-corrected concave holographic grating providing flat-field imaging and minimal optical distortion across 280–900 nm
- Low-stray-light design (<0.02% at 435 nm) enabled by single-optic path and optimized groove geometry
- High quantum efficiency CCD detector with 100 photons/count sensitivity at 400 nm
- Configurable resolution from 0.75 nm to 6 nm FWHM via slit and grating selection
- 6-decade dynamic range (2000:1) and 1000:1 signal-to-noise ratio (full-well, 1 s integration)
- Ruggedized machined-aluminum housing with passive thermal stabilization and shock-absorbing internal mount
- USB 2.0 interface with plug-and-play driver support; compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS via SDK
- No internal alignment required—factory-aligned optics ensure long-term wavelength calibration stability
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The BLACK-Comet interfaces seamlessly with industry-standard fiber-optic probes (SMA 905), integrating into diverse sampling configurations: reflection probes for solid-color analysis, immersion probes for liquid absorbance, cosine correctors for radiometric measurements, and custom cuvette holders for concentration assays. It supports compliance-critical workflows through traceable NIST-traceable irradiance and radiance calibrations (performed at StellarNet’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration lab). When used in regulated environments—such as pharmaceutical process analytical technology (PAT) or environmental monitoring—the system supports audit-ready data capture when paired with SpectraWiz software configured for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance (electronic signatures, secure audit trails, and user access controls). The instrument meets IEC 61326-1 (EMC) and IEC 61010-1 (safety) standards for laboratory equipment.
Software & Data Management
StellarNet provides the fully licensed SpectraWiz software suite at no additional cost—a comprehensive platform supporting real-time spectral acquisition, multivariate analysis, peak identification, and quantitative modeling. SpectraWiz includes built-in libraries for elemental emission (LIBS), chemical absorbance (ChemWiz-2000 mode), CIE 1931 chromaticity mapping, and thin-film interference modeling. Raw spectra are saved in vendor-neutral .csv and .spc formats; metadata—including integration time, lamp reference, and calibration coefficients—is embedded per ASTM E131-22 guidelines. The SDK (C/C++, Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB) enables direct integration into custom control architectures and supports TTL-triggered synchronization for time-resolved applications such as plasma decay kinetics or pulsed-LIBS. Up to eight BLACK-Comet units can be daisy-chained via USB hub under synchronized acquisition control.
Applications
- Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS): Paired with Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers (1064 nm), the BLACK-Comet captures atomic emission lines from 200–980 nm for rapid, non-contact elemental identification—ideal for geology, scrap metal sorting, and planetary exploration prototypes.
- Radiometry & LED Characterization: With NIST-traceable irradiance calibration, it measures spectral radiant flux, CIE 1931 xy chromaticity, dominant wavelength, color purity, and CCT—fully compliant with IES LM-79 and ENERGY STAR testing protocols.
- Thin-Film Thickness Metrology: Utilizing white-light interferometry algorithms, it resolves film thicknesses from 50 Å to 20 µm on single- and multi-layer stacks, including rough or gradient-index substrates, with ±0.2% or ±10 Å accuracy.
- Fluorescence Spectroscopy: Optimized for excitation sources including 470 nm LEDs (SL1-BLUE), pulsed xenon lamps (SL4-XENON), and deuterium lamps (SL3-DEUT), enabling detection of Stokes-shifted emission from 350–1000 nm.
- Colorimetry & Quality Control: Implements CIELAB (L*a*b*) and ΔE₀₀ calculations per ISO 11664-4 and ASTM D2244, supporting pass/fail tolerancing against master standards in paint, textile, and display manufacturing.
FAQ
What spectral calibration options are available for the BLACK-Comet?
StellarNet provides factory-applied wavelength and intensity calibrations traceable to NIST Standard Reference Materials (SRMs). Optional recalibration services include irradiance, radiance, and reflectance modes—with certificates issued per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
Can the BLACK-Comet operate in temperature-variable environments?
Yes—the instrument exhibits <0.05 nm/°C wavelength drift over 15–35 °C ambient range due to low-CTE optical mounting and passive thermal mass design. For extended outdoor use, optional thermoelectric stabilization is available on select configurations.
Is the CCD detector replaceable in the field?
No—the BLACK-Comet uses a permanently aligned, hermetically sealed CCD module. Detector replacement requires return to StellarNet’s service center to preserve optical calibration integrity and vacuum integrity.
Does SpectraWiz support automated report generation for GLP/GMP audits?
Yes—when configured with user authentication, electronic signatures, and audit trail logging enabled, SpectraWiz complies with GLP (OECD 1998) and GMP (ICH Q7) documentation requirements for raw spectral data and processed results.
What is the maximum achievable optical resolution with the BLACK-Comet?
At 280–900 nm, the narrowest FWHM resolution is 0.75 nm—achieved using a 25 µm entrance slit and high-line-density concave grating; resolution scales linearly with slit width and inversely with grating dispersion.
